Iraq Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Owing to a long and varied history, Iraq is a culturally rich country. Today, traditional Islamic culture predominates, with Koranic law playing an active role in the day-to-day life of the country, and visitors should be careful to respect this and act accordingly. Visitors should always address their hosts by full name and title. Traditional Arab hospitality is followed as a rule, in accordance with religious law. Conservative and discreet dress should be worn in observance of local Islamic laws.

Photography: There is a need for extreme caution when photographing anything of a sensitive nature. This includes photographs of local people (the Muslim religion does not allow the representation of human or animal images in any form); and, most importantly, any government installations, buildings or indeed anything else that may be considered off-limits to visitors. If in any doubt, do not take a photo.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Iraqi Airways (IA) (website: www.iraqiairways.co.uk). At time of publication, there are no scheduled civilian flights into Iraq.

Departure Tax
ID2,000.

Main Airports
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is 18km (11 miles) south of the city (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services go to the city with rates negotiable for shared taxis. There is a surcharge after 2200. Car hire is also available. Facilities: Banks, bureaux de change, post office, duty-free shops, bars, restaurants, snack bar, shops and first aid.

Note: Due to the airport being repeatedly targeted by rocket and mortar attacks, at time of publication, the British Embassy in Iraq no longer uses the Baghdad to Baghdad International Airport road.

Getting There by Water
At present, all ports in Iraq are closed.

Getting There by Rail
Routes may not be accessible to foreigners.

Getting There by Road
At time of publication non-Iraqi Arab passport holders can not enter Iraq by road. Before the Gulf War, principal international routes ran through Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey. Work on the Express Highway, an attempt to link Iraq with Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic, has been suspended for the time being. For further information on up-to-date political conditions and border details, see General Info.

Overview
The following goods may be imported into Iraq without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco.
• Wine or spirits with a total volume of not more than 1l.
• 500ml of perfume (two small opened bottles).
• Gifts to the value of US$28.

(a) The total value of the above goods may not exceed ID100. (b) Travelers who have not left the country within 120 days must report to customs.

Prohibited Imports
Electrical appliances other than personal effects, souvenirs in quantities considered to have commercial value, many types of fruits and plants.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
At the time of publication, only essential flights were allowed into Baghdad. Iraqi Airways (IA) (website: www.iraqiairways.co.uk) is planning to operate domestic flights between Baghdad, Basra, Suleimaniya and Arbil.

Getting Around by Rail
Rail services are operated by the State Enterprise for Iraqi Railways. Work to the rail track is underway. The principal route is from the Syrian Arab Republic border at Tel-Kotchek to Mosul, Baghdad and Al Basrah. Trains also run from Baghdad to Kirkuk and Arbil. A service operates between Baghdad and Al Basrah. Some sleeping cars, restaurants and air-conditioned coaches are available.

Note: Many rail tracks were destroyed during the fighting and it is uncertain if any passenger services are running at all.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Travel by road is not wholly recommended at present, due to the continuing threat of car-jacking, robbery and random attacks; these have often occurred on highways 1, 5, 10 and 15. It is recommended to travel in convoys of at least four per vehicle in daylight hours only. Road closures must also be expected. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and/or mines are used on some roads. Some cars do not use lights during the night and some urban street lighting may be broken. Road congestion is a problem. Principal routes are from Baghdad to Kirkuk, Arbil and Zakho; Baghdad to the Jordanian frontier; Baghdad to Kanaquin (Iranian border); Baghdad to Hilla and Kerbela; and Baghdad to Al Basrah and Safwan (Kuwait border).

Bus: Some services run from Baghdad and other main cities.

Taxi: Services are available both in cities and for transit. Fares should be negotiated in advance. Metered taxis charge twice the amount shown on the meter. Tipping is not necessary.

Car hire: Available at the airport and in Baghdad.

Documentation: International Driving Permit required. Third party insurance is necessary.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Baghdad has a few buses and share-taxis running. Buses are poorly maintained and they are often involved in accidents. Services are irregular and frequently change route. Bus tickets should be pre-purchased at kiosks. A metro is under construction.


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